Kathryn (Mahoney) D'Urso

Kathryn (Mahoney)'s Story

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Kathryn Mahoney D’Urso, a woman of great heart, died on April 1, 2017 in North Andover, with her family by her side.
Kay was a daughter, sister, wife, mother, grandmother, aunt and friend, all roles to which she brought devotion, compassion, generosity and a quick and sometimes sharp wit. Kay’s inimitable personality and strong character left a lasting positive impact on all those around her.
Kay was born in Haverhill, the youngest of seven children born to Irish immigrants, William J. and Catherine T. (Linehan) Mahoney. Kay lived with her family in Haverhill from her birth to her marriage, where, as the much younger sister of five surviving siblings, she received the undivided attention of her four brothers and her sister. Kay graduated from Haverhill High School and completed her education at the McIntosh Business College. In her early adulthood, Kay was a model and worked as an administrator at Western Electric Company in Haverhill. It was in these years that Kay’s sense of style and fashion was first exhibited and became legendary.
In May of 1962 Kay married Stephen F. D’Urso II, of Lawrence. A large crowd of spectators gathered outside the church to get a glimpse of what Kathryn Mahoney would be wearing at her wedding. They resided together in Andover, where they raised four children and remained there for 48 years until her husband’s death in 2010. Their home was the gathering place, not only for the closely-knit D’Urso family but also for their four children’s friends whom always knew that Kay would tend to their every need. Thereafter, Kay lived with her daughter, Jodi, in close proximity to all of her children, who visited or called her every day.
Kay enjoyed gourmet cooking, shopping, the beach and catching up on the latest gossip. Later in life, Kay travelled extensively home and abroad. The highlight of her international travels was to attend the 2006 Ryder Cup in Ireland, where Kay made the acquaintance of President George H.W. Bush.
Whether it was the President of the United States, or the waiter a local coffee shop, everyone always remembered Kay.
Kay is survived by her children, Frederick J. D’Urso and his wife Virginia (Mumelter) D’Urso of Andover, Jodi E. D’Urso and her husband Peter M. Zuk of Andover, Sean E. D’Urso and his wife Johnna (Beal) D’Urso of Andover, Stephen F. D’Urso III of Andover. She is also survived by six grandchildren, Taylor J. D’Urso, Stephen F. D’Urso IV, Sean Kathryn D’Urso, Aidan M. D’Urso, Vincenzo W. D’Urso and Maria D. D’Urso, all of Andover. She is also survived her beloved nephew Edward J. Mahoney of Haverhill whom she considered as her son. In addition to Edward, she is survived by ten nieces and nephews. Kay was predeceased by her sister, the late Helen Bridget Ross, an infant sister, Nora Christina and her brothers, John D. Mahoney, Edward J. Mahoney, William F. Mahoney and James A. Mahoney.
The D’Urso family extends their deepest gratitude to the staff of the Transitional Care Unit at Sutton Hill Center in North Andover who lovingly cared for Kay when her children were travelling or when she required physical therapy. Their devotion, care and attention to Kay was extraordinary and, resulted in unforgettable friendships.
Visiting hours were held Wednesday, April 5, 2017 from 3 to 7 p.m. at the Cataudella Funeral Home, 126 Pleasant Valley Street, Methuen. A funeral Mass celebrating Kay’s life will be held on Thursday, April 6, 2017 at 10 a.m. at Saint Augustine’s Catholic Church, 43 Essex Street, Andover with burial thereafter at Spring Grove Cemetery, Andover.